The quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores continue with their second leg, where four Brazilian teams will battle it out, but only two will move forward. With just one goal scored between these four sides in the first leg, the tension is sky-high. Anything can happen as the teams prepare for what promises to be thrilling, high-stakes encounters. Every moment counts, and with a spot in the semi-finals on the line, both sides know there’s no room for error - it’s win or go home!
First up is Atletico Mineiro, who will be looking to overturn a one-goal deficit from the first leg against reigning champions Fluminense, after last week's 1-0 defeat. For over 80 minutes, Mineiro delivered a solid defensive display, but in the 87th minute, Vinicius Moreira de Lima scored the winning goal, sending the home crowd into celebration.
While the opening leg didn’t go their way, Atletico Mineiro have plenty of reasons to feel confident heading into this crucial clash. They've won all of their home matches in this year’s tournament, scoring multiple times in three of those four games.
HEAD-TO-HEAD: Atletico have two wins and two losses in their last five matches, while Fluminense come into this with three wins and two losses.
This match is still wide open!
Atletico Mineiro are on a mission to capture their second Copa Libertadores title, their first since the glory of 2013. The team heads into this decisive second leg with renewed confidence after a commanding 3-0 home victory over RB Bragantino in the Brazilian league over the weekend, snapping a three-game winless streak that had included two tough losses.
On the continental stage, Atletico Mineiro have been nothing short of dominant at home, boasting a perfect record of four wins from four in this year’s Libertadores. While their form on the road has been more mixed - with two wins, a draw, and two defeats - they’ll be counting on their fortress at home to keep their dream alive.
With everything on the line, Atlético will look to their home advantage to push them one step closer to the title they crave!
ATLETICO MINEIRO predicted lineup vs FLUMINENSE: Everson (GK); Fuchs, Battaglia, Alonso; Scarpa, Franco, Gomes, Vera, Arana; Hulk, Paulinho.
Fluminense enter this second leg as the reigning Copa Libertadores champions, having triumphed over Argentine giants Boca Juniors in the 2023 final. Now, they’re determined to defend their title and hold on to their narrow aggregate lead as they head into a high-stakes battle in Belo Horizonte.
Like their opponents, Fluminense have been nearly unbeatable at home, winning all five of their Copa Libertadores fixtures at the Maracanã. But away from home, it’s been a different story - Fluzão have only managed one win from four road games.
Their domestic form tells a darker tale. In their latest outing, they suffered a disappointing 1-0 home loss to Botafogo, adding to what’s been a nightmare season in the Brazilian league. With the looming threat of relegation, Fluminense are desperate to keep their Libertadores hopes alive and salvage what’s been a rough year.
FLUMINENSE predicted lineup vs ATLETICO MINEIRO: Fabio (GK); Xavier, Carlos, Santos, Marcelo; Martinelli, Bernal; Arias, Ganso, Serna; Elias.
Sao Paulo are set to face off against Botafogo at the Morumbi in the decisive second leg of their Copa Libertadores quarter-final on Wednesday, September 26th. With a coveted spot in the semi-final against either Peñarol or Flamengo up for grabs, everything is on the line.
The first leg ended in a tense goalless draw, and while Sao Paulo can be satisfied with their performance in Rio, they’ll know they dodged a bullet. Botafogo squandered three golden scoring opportunities, letting Sao Paulo off the hook and keeping the tie wide open.
Now, with home advantage and a place in the final four at stake, Sao Paulo will be eager to make their mark in front of their fans.
Sao Paulo head into the second leg after securing a goalless draw in Rio de Janeiro, though they faced criticism for their overly defensive approach in that match. However, with everything to play for, things could take a different turn at the Morumbi.
Back on their home turf, Sao Paulo have been formidable, boasting a 3-1-0 record in the Copa Libertadores and a strong 9-2-3 record in the domestic league. As they prepare for this crucial clash, they’ll enter as slight favorites, looking to take full advantage of their home crowd.
After a disappointing 3-1 loss to Internacional in their last Serie A outing, Sao Paulo will be eager to bounce back and deliver a much-needed victory to secure their spot in the semi-finals.
HEAD-TO-HEAD: Sao Paulo have struggled against Botafogo recently, with three draws and two losses in their last five encounters.
SAO PAULO predicted lineup vs BOTAFOGO: Rafael (GK); Franco, Arboleda, Sabino; Araujo, Bobadilla, Gustavo, Welington; Luciano, Gomes; Calleri.
Botafogo missed a golden opportunity to capitalize on their home advantage in the first leg, largely due to poor finishing. Despite being widely expected to take control on their own turf, they couldn't find the back of the net, as Sao Paulo stood firm.
Still, Botafogo are enjoying a stellar season, leading the Brasileiro Serie A by three points with an impressive 17-5-5 record. In their return to the Copa Libertadores after a seven-year absence, they now have a strong shot at breaking into the final four.
Heading into this decisive second leg, Botafogo will be riding high after a 1-0 victory over Fluminense in their last Serie A match, hoping to carry that momentum into this crucial clash.
BOTAFOGO predicted lineup vs SAO PAULO: John (GK); Vitinho, Bastos, Barboza, Telles; Gregore, Freitas; Soares, Savarino, Almada; Santos.
